Sheriffs say Salvador Acevedo Deleon was driving with his girlfriend, their 5-year-old twins and three adolescents when the couple got in an argument and he began shooting. The adolescents were not hurt.

A 45-year-old man fatally shot his girlfriend and their 5-year-old twins in front of three other children in East Los Angeles before turning the gun on himself, authorities said Sunday.

Salvador Acevedo Deleon was driving a Toyota sport utility vehicle with his girlfriend, Iris Oseguera, 33, their twins and three adolescents about 9 p.m. Saturday when the couple got into an argument, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a coroner's official.

Acevedo Deleon pulled out a handgun and shot Oseguera and the twins, striking each in the upper torso. He then drove the three unharmed children to a relative's home in the area. The adolescents, who are believed to be from one of the adults' previous relationships, told the relative about the shooting and authorities were notified.

Sheriff's deputies located Acevedo Deleon's vehicle in the 1100 block of South Hicks Avenue. He had a gunshot wound that appeared to be self-inflicted and was pronounced dead at the scene, along with Oseguera.

The twins, a boy and a girl, were taken to a hospital, where they died. A handgun was recovered at the scene.

Acevedo Deleon, who was known as "Chava," owned two used-car dealerships, one of which was around the corner from where his body was found, said his co-worker Luis Castro. Castro said he lived in the neighborhood while Oseguera and the twins resided in La Puente.

On Sunday, friends and family members lay flowers and candles at the site where blood stains and shattered glass remained. Spray-painted on a piece of plywood were the words "RIP Chava & familia."

Neighbors described Acevedo Deleon as a friendly man who looked out for those in need, including a homeless man he paid to do odd jobs.

"He was a real good guy," said Fabian Aguillar, "he helped out a lot of immigrants, giving them jobs."

One man who asked not to be named added, "He always had a joy on his face. This is a sick tragedy."